HOW TO DRAW STRAIGHT LINES.
Before a line is drawn, the point at which it is to commence and the point where it is to end, should be known; and let it be distinctly understood that this judgment of the eye, and placing of points, should invariably precede the drawing of every line.
The first effort should, therefore, be to produce a line of points exactly parallel with the upper edge of the paper, and at equal distances from each other. Commence with point A and place the point B carefully level with it, now place a slip of paper against these points in the original, mark their distance apart, and see if the same proportion has been given in your copy; if not, make the necessary correction. Proceed with the next point, examine it, and so on to the end of the line. When this is complete, examine each point in succession, to try if it is at the same distance from the top of the paper; when this is correct, proceed to draw the first level line. Hold the pencil as in the drawing, [fig. 57], keeping the elbow near the side; join A to B by one light, steady stroke, produced by a movement of the wrist, and add stroke upon stroke until the line is of the required depth. Continue this process to the end of the line of points. Now place the point D at the right distance below the A, proceed with the points for another line as before, and continue the lines until the paper is covered. In producing the stroke the pencil should not be jerked, or any stop be made between the points, but the movement should be even throughout, and it is much better to produce each line by several soft strokes, as the repetition of delicate lines induces lightness of touch and freedom of hand; and it is also no small advantage that lines thus produced are more easily removed by the India rubber, should they require correction.